Reaction: Business community welcomes news that Norwich Business Improvement District will go ahead

City centre manager Stefan Gurney(front) and business representatives(l to r) Nick Bond from Visit Norwich, Steve Falvey of The Forum Trust, Stacey Rodgers and Jenny Bradfield from the Leeds Building Society and Dawn Brindle from the Maddermarket Theatre, make a last call for Business Improvement District votes.
Photo by Simon Finlay

Archant Norfolk Copyright

News that businesses in Norwich have voted yes to set up a new partnership which will raise £3m to spend on improving the city has been welcomed by the local business community.

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Here is some of the initial reaction to the news.

Philip Cutter, owner of The Murderers public house in Timberhill.

“A Norwich BID gives companies in our fine city, a united voice to contribute towards the prosperity of Norwich, WHATEVER the size, or sector.”

Davina Tanner, general manager of Chapelfield Shopping Centre.

“Chapelfield is pleased to support the Norwich BID, we believe this initiative will enable Norwich to further cement its position as one of the top visitor and shopping destinations in the UK.”

Sophie Fulford, managing director of Winsor Bishop jewellers.

“Norwich is such a fantastic city, and if we have the chance to enhance what we have by raising the city’s profile to visitors, investors and businesses, we should completely embrace that opportunity.”

Richard Marks, general manager of John Lewis in Norwich.

“Visitors to Norwich are always blown away by what the city has to offer – a BID will reinforce and build on Norwich’s tremendous success at a time of so much economic uncertainty and will promote the city to a much wider audience.”

Jayne Raffles, owner of Raffles Restaurants.

“As a group of independent restaurants in Norwich, which is passionate about sustainable investment, we believe the Norwich BID can only be a win-win situation for Norwich in these economic times, to benefit businesses, residents and shoppers in our fine city.”

Jane Claridge, general manager of Norwich Theatre Royal.

“In an increasingly competitive economic climate, pooling our resources through the BID will benefit businesses, residents and visitors. It will make the most of retail, leisure, heritage and culture by promoting our assets to a wider audience, and help drive continuing growth across the city centre and beyond.”

Chris Frazer, director of property and financial services at Aviva.

“Aviva believes Norwich BID will play a critical role in accelerating Norwich’s commercial success, making it a more dynamic and vibrant place to be in business. The Norwich BID will raise the city’s profile, attracting new commercial sectors, inward investment and skilled workers into the city.

“A BID will also help improve the local infrastructure, transport links and services that are critical to attracting outside investment. In short, the Norwich BID will give local businesses greater control to ensure their future on-going success.”

- For more infromation about the Norwich BID, see the links at the top-right of this page. What do you think about the Norwich BID? Leave your comments below.